Automatic indexing mechanism



3811- J. B. ARMITAGE E1- AL ,AUTOMATIC INDEXING MECHANISM Filed July 26, 1945 .4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q Wm Patented Jan. 15, 1.946

AUTOMATIC INDEXING MECHANISM Joseph B. Armitage and Theodore F. Eserkaln,

Wauwatosa, Wis., assignors to Kearney &. Trecker Corporation, West Allis, Wia, a corporation of Wisconsin Application July 26, 1943, Serial No. 496,160 Claims. CI. 90-56) an improved automatic indexing mechanism for indexing a work holding or tool holding element of a machine tool;

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved. indexing mechanism capable of rapid and independent operation in indexing a machine tool element.

' Another object of the invention is to provide a self-contained indexing mechanism for use with a machine tool that is arranged to be operated by power independently of the machine tool driving mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved indexing arrangement for'use with a machine tool that is especially adapted to operate with minimum delay and with minimum lost motion in effecting a machining cycle.

- Another object is to provide an improved work holding fixture for a machine tool including a self-contained motor arranged to effect indexing movements of a work piece for presentation to a cutter.

Another object is to provide a-new and improved work fixture including an indexable work support and a transmission mechanism driven by an electric motor incorporated in the fixture and operable independently of the machine transmission to efiect indexing movement of the work support.

Another object is to provide a new and improved work fixture including an indexable work support and a power source operative independently of the machine transmission for effecting indexing movement of the work support under either manual or automatic control.

Another object is to provide an improved indexing work fixture adapted to be arranged in multiple on a machine tool for simultaneous tripping operation.

Another object is to provide an improved indexing apparatus in which tripping mechanism is arranged to become inactive during an indexing movement to obviate the possibility of efiecting an unintended continuing or repeated indexing movement.

Another object is to provide an improved tripping mechanism for an indexing apparatus that becomes inactive subsequent to a tripping action and that does not become effective for initiating a subsequent indexing movement until after the completion of the previous indexing movement.

Another object is to provide an indexing mechanism in which an actuating element operates through a predetermined cycle in efiecting an indexing movement, the extent of the movement being regulated by adjustment of the actuating mechanism.

Another object is to provide an indexing mechanism in which initiation of an indexing movement is-effected by a double movement of a tripping device.

Another object is to provide an indexing device in which a cyclic actuator functions to discontinue the indexing movement and re-establish the effectiveness of tripping mechanism at the completion of a cycle.

According to this invention, a self-contained indexing apparatus for use with a machine tool .is provided with a separate power source arranged to effect rapid indexing movements independently of movement of other machine elements. To this end, the mechanism is provided with a motor driven actuator arranged to be moved through a complete cycle for each indexing movement. The actuator is rendered operative by tripping a latch which is re-engaged at the end of a cycle and operates to stop the movement. When the latch is tripped it becomes disengaged from its stripping mechanism and is not re-engaged until the indexing cycle is completed thereby preventing the indexing movement from being continued by a tripping action occurring during indexing. The tripping mechanism is so arranged that a double movement is required to trip the latch, a spring acting to effect the final movement. The extent of the indexing movement may be regulated by interchanging indexing plates and by adjusting a shroud arranged to regulate the eifective area of the indexing plate. A plurality of indexing mechanisms may be used in multiple by interconnecting their trip mechanisms for simultaneous operation.

The foregoing objects of the invention, and others which will become apparent as thefollowing description proceeds, may be achieved by the particular work fixture depicted in and described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in front elevation showing part of a milling machine provided with an indexing fixture constructed in accord,- ance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the work supporting table and saddle of the milling machine, showing a pair of work fixtaken substantially on the planes represented by" the lines 4-4 in Fig. 3 and showing the indexable work support together with portions of the trans- I a mission mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical transverse :section taken substantially on the planes represented by" the lines 5-5 in Fig. 3 and showing a portion of the indexing transmission mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in verticallongitudinal section taken substantially on the. plane of the line 6-6 in Fig. 3 and showing the control elementan'd, its associated tripping-means for effecting indexing movements of the work support:

Fig. '7- is an enlarged fragmentary'top plan view of a portion of the tripping mechanism shown in Fig. 3, indicating the-relatlvepositicn of the parts thereof at the instant of -trippin toeffect eneasement of the transmission mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showingthe relative position of the tripping mechanism-during the indexing operation, the dottedlines'indicatingthe position of the parts in eiiectingautomatic disengagement of the indexingtransmission mechanism upon completionof an indexing'm'ovemerit;

Fig. 9 is" a fragmentary end 'elevational view-of the saddle and table of themillingmachine'showing' acam and follower for effecting automatic operation or the control element; 7

Fig; 10 is a view in vertical section taken -sub stantially on the planesindicated by the lines relationship of the cam and cam follower to-effect movement of the control element;

Flg. 11 is anenlarged viewin horizontal section takensubstantially-cn the plane of the-line l |--l i in Fig.- 4 and. showing the indexing plate-and the associated indexing latching mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional 'view taken substantially on the plane-of the line l2l2'in*Fig. 11

and showing the engagement between the latching plungerand anotchin" the indexing'plate:

'Fig. 13 is a fragmentary topplan view showing the selector plate fora'djustingtheefiective stroke of the indexing mechanism; and

Fig. 141s an enlarged detail sectional view taken inventionset forth herein as illustrative of a pro 0- tical .operative structure, i a work holding fixture. especially adapted for indexing work pieces tov present, successive elements for machining.

.The work holding fixture shown in the drawings may be utilized withv any machine tool presenting .a suitable supporting. structure for the fixture and having acutting tool adapted to performa machining operation on a work piece supported for indexing movement on the fixture.

'40 ill-l0 inFig. 9 and-illustrating the cooperating The particular machine tool chosen for illustrative purposes, a portion of which is shown in Figs.

i'lhe'. knee=.;carries-v a saddle 2 i mounted. for horizontal movement toward and from the face of the ;-column 20. The saddle in turn carries a transversely movable table 22 that may be driven in longitudinal feeding movements by the usual transmission mechanism. The relative adjust- .ments provided between the column, knee and saddle permit required movements of the machine yparts'toproperly position the table, fixture and work piece. in. desired relationship with a cutter 23 carriedbyan arbor 25 secured to the usual spindle (not shown) that is rotatably supported in the column 20 above the table 22 and driven in any conventional manner.

The machining operation for which the fixture herein setforth as an exemplifying-embodiment of the present invention is particularly adapted. is that of forming aserles of equally spaced cuts or slots in a work piece. The particular operation chosen'to illustrate-a practical application of the present invention is that of cutting clutch teeth in the respective ends of a clutch sleeve.

The work fixture 'shown'for illustrative'purposes in connection with the machine tool in the accompanying drawings, comprises a body portion '30" including a pair of end flanges 3! provided withslotsiiladaptedto receive anchoring bolts Bit-cooperating with conventional'T-slots -M in the surface of the machine'table'22for securing the fixture to the table in any desired position of longitudinal adjustment. For the purpose'of positioning the fixture squarely with respect to the plane (if-rotation of the cutter 23',a pair of posi movements. In-general,- the fixture provides a self-contained power operated workindexing apparatus'including a power source in the form of an electricmotor 38, shown in Fig. '3, and 9.11mdexable working element or support 39 arranged to be actuated by the motor 38 independently of the table driving transmission mechanism in a manner to provide for effecting rapid indexing movements without requiring a corresponding additional movement of the table.

"As shown, the indexable work support 39 is mounted adjacent to one end of the fixture and includes an indexable work supporting surface or table. provided with appropriate means for retaining a work piece 4| in proper position thereon. The workpiece 4! may be releasably retained on the work support by means of clamping bolts fitted in suitable T-slots 42 formed in'the top surface of. the table or it may be applied to a mandril 43 having athreaded shank 44 secured in a centrally disposed threaded aperture 45 formed in the indexable work support 40. In the present instance, the mandril type of mounting for,releasably retaining the work piece 'M in proper position ,on the work support ,serves tospeed up .machinejproduction in that no additional clamping of the work piece isrequired aaeaeca.

when the slotting operationis performed under the climb cutting method of milling, wherein the cutting pressure of the tool serves to retain the work piece solidly against the surface of the table.

The power source, in the form of the electric motor 38, is housed within the body portion 38 of the fixture adjacent the end thereof opposite that occupied by the table 49. The electric motor 38 is provided with an armature shaft 46 journalled in suitable bearings 41 (only one of which is shown). When the fixture is in use, the motor 38 is operated continuously and is selectively coupled by means of a transmission mechanism to effect intermittent indexing movements of the work support 39 in a manner hereinafter more specifically described. i

The movable work support 39 includes a depending hub 48 journalled for rotary movement in a pair of spaced bearings 49 and 55 mounted respectively in bores and 52 formed in the upper wall of the body portion 30. The hub 48 of the Work support 39 is provided with a reduced portion 53 adapted to serve as a mounting means for an internally threaded collar on which a portionof the indexing mechanism may be mounted. The hub 48 of the work support is further provided with another reduced portion 55 having an axially disposed keyway 56 adapted to receive a locking key 51 which serves to retain an indexing plate 58, receivable thereon, in fixed relationship with the indexable work support 39. The entire bottom assembly of the work support is retained in proper position upon the hub 48 by means of a nut 59 applied to the lower threaded end of the hub 48.

The indexing plate 58 is provided with'a plurality of indexing notches or grooves 6| arranged in spaced relationship about its periphery. The indexing plate may be one selected from a series of plates having different numbers of notches, the selection of a particular plate being dictated by the number and spacing of slots or operations that are to be efiected upon the work piece. Since these plates are interchangeable, any desired number of indexing movements may be provided for within the limits of the indexing plates at hand.

The indexing mechanism for effecting successive steps of indexing movement of the work support is best shown in Fig. 11 and includes an indexing pawl 52 that is rockably mounted on a pin 63 supported in an arm 64 projecting from a yoke 65 having a central bore 66 adapted to be journalled for oscillating movement on a hub 61 and shoulder 68 of the collar 54 mounted on the reduced portion 53 of the hub 48. The free end of the pawl 52 is in the form of a tooth 59 adapted to be received within any one of the notches or grooves 6| formed in the indexing plate 58. A tension coil spring ll serves to normally urge the pawl 52 toward the center of the indexing plate 58; This action is accomplished by reason 01 the fact that the ends of the tension spring II are secured, respectively, to a pin I2 mounted on the freeend of the pawl 62 and a pin 13 mounted in the arm 64 of the yoke 65. Another arm 14 on the yoke 55, disposed in approximat ly diznzet ioel opposite relationship with the arm 6-4, is provided with a pin 1'5 which serves as a rockable mountin for one end of a connecting link I5 that serves as a driver for eiiecting oscillatory movement of the yoke 65. The other end of the link 75 is mounted on a crank pin I1 carried by a worm wheel I8 journalled for rotating movement on a pin!!! anchored in the body portion 30 of the fixture by means of a nut 80, as shown in Fig. 5.

A selectively connectible power transmission mechanism serves to couple the motor 38 with the worm wheel I8, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, to eflect indexing movement of the work support in accordance with the operation of associated control mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a worm 85 secured to the armature shaft 46 of the motor. The worm 85, constantly driven by the motor, meshes with and drives a Worm wheel 86 fixed to a shaft 8'! iournalled in suitable bearings 88 mounted within bosses 89 formed integral with a side cover plate 98 secured to the body portion 38 in any suitable manner, such as by cap screws. A bevel gear 9i, also fixed to the shaft 81, meshes with and drives a mating bevel gear 92 that is freely rotatable on a shaft 93 mounted in suitable bearings 94 and 95, respectively carried by the body portion 39 and cover plate 90 of the fixture. A radially disposed slot 96 formed in the body portion .of the gear 92 is arranged to receive lugs 91 formed on one end of a clutch collar 98 that is slidably mounted on the shaft 93 and includes a centrally disposed annular shifter fork receiving groove 99 and a plurality of clutch teeth I30 arranged at the end of the collar opposite the lugs 91. The clutch sleeve 98 is slidable on the shaft 93 to provide for selective driving engagement between the teeth I90 and similar complementary clutch teeth IDI formed on the face of an enlarged central portion I82 of the shaft for controlling its rotation. The shaft 93 is also provided with a womn I93 which meshes with the worm wheel 18 to complete the transmission from the power sou1'ce38 to the indexing mechanism, that is operative to effect movement of the work support 39. i

In performing an indexing operation, the clutch sleeve 98 is moved to engaged position and is held in this position while the worm wheel 18 makes one full revolution the clutch then being disengaged automatically. The worm wheel 78 turns in clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow ID! in Fig. 11, and as it begins its turning movement,the connecting link 76 causes the yoke to pivot in counterclockwise direction about the hub 61. The pawl 62 on the arm IE4 of the yoke 55 moves along the periphery of the indexing plate 58 until it engages one of the notches 6| of the plate under action of the spring l'I whereupon the plate and the movable work sup port 39 are then advanced through an indexing movement. As the worm wheel I8 completes one-half of a revolution, the indexing plate 58 and the work support 39 are brought to the new indexed position. When the indexing plate arrives at its new position, it is retained thereby a spring pressed latching plunger I68 which enters the indexing notch. 5| below the pawl 52, as

shown in Fig. 12. As the Wheel '18 continues to turn, the yoke is pivoted in clockwise direction to return it to its initial position and the tooth 69 0f the pawl 62 is withdrawn from the indexing notch 6! by reason of a sloping surface I09 pre-' sented by the back of the tooth which permit-5' it to ride out of the notch in opposition to the force of the spring II, the indexing plate being held from turning by the plunger Hi8. When the worm wheel I8 completes a full revolution, the yoke 65 is returned to its initial position with the pawl 62 poised in readiness to engage a successive indexingnotch 6| in performing a subsequent indexing operation.

JSuitahle ;.olutch: :operatingmechanism; :is ::pro vided toflefiectthe engagement:andudisengagement of the teeth I-Illl on the clutch. :collar 98 with the teeth It! I formed onflthei shaft- 9,3.-under control. of associated tripping. mechanism. 1This clutch actuating mechanism comprises a. shaft I I8 slidably mounted for axial movement parallel with the shaft 93 :in bearings III and I-I2, re spectively carried by the cover plate 98 and. the body portion 39. -A sleeve member II3'encircling the shaft carries a clutch shifting fork I I4 which engages the groove 99' formed in the clutch collar 98. The-sleeve II3 is anchoredto theshaft I I II by. means of a pin II5whichserves to secure the fork I I4 in operating relationship with the shaft. III! :and; also to prevent rotary movement of; thew'shaft; III) with respect to the fork I I4. .A coil spring II 6 surrounding thesleeve II3 and having its ends abuttingthe bearing II I and the fork I I4- respectively, serves to; normally urge. the clutch sleeve 98 toward its engaged or driving position. 7

With the-mechanism: in the. position shown in Figs.3 and '5,'the clutch. 98 i retained; in disengaged position by reason ofcontact' between astop pin I85 formed on. the end of'thecrank pin 11 carried by the worm wheel 'Iilanda face orabutment I I! formed .onan ear II8 projecting downwardly from the bottom, surface of'a latch arm II9 that i pivotally mounted for rockable movement in. a horizontal plane on a pin I28 anchored upon a square portion I2I of the shaft IIII. Thearm I I9 carries-a lug I22 on its upper surface to form an abutment for one arm of a coil torsion spring I23 which surrounds the upper portion of the pin I28 and has its other end in pressure contact with a. lug; I24 vcarried by the square portion I2I of the shaft III), This torsion spring I23 normally urges the arm II9-tothe position of alignment with the shaft 9,. as shown in Figs. 3 a-ndii, whereinzfurther movement of the arm to the right is limited by abuttingcontact between a face I25 formed on'the arm IIS and a face I26 formed on the squared portion I2I of theshaft IIII. p

To initiate an indexing movement. the arm II9 may be pivoted to the left against the action of the spring I23 to the'position shown in Fig. 7 for moving the depending ear H8 out of engagement with thestop pin I95 on the worm wheel 18.

When this occurs, the coil spring II6 is free to move the shaft IID rearwardly and it in turn moves the clutch collar 98 to its engaged position, whereupon the worm wheel I8 starts to rotate and thestop pin I95 advances outof the path-of the ear II8 on the arm H9. The arm may thenbe retumed by the spring I23 to its initial aligned position without havingany-eifect upon the op eration of the clutch 98. 7

As the worm wheel I8 completes a full revolution in efiecting an indexing; movement as previouslyexplained, the pin I95 will again engage the face I I! of the ear I I 8 and will move the arm H9 and the clutch actuating sleeve II3 forward against theopposition of the coil spring I IE to a position in which .the'clutch sleeve 98 is disengaged, thereby stopping rotation of the worm wheel 18. ,The clutch will then remain disengaged .untilthe arm H9 is again tripped outof engagement with the stop pin I 85. to permit the coil spring I I8 to re-engage the clutch. in initiating a subsequent. indexing operation. 7

3170 provide; for effecting tripping movement of the arm I19. there is fittedtat its-"outer end, an

upstanding tripping lug I21. rAs shown in'Eigs.

6,37. and-.8, the. tripping lug presents an inclined cam surface I 28' at one-:sideand a perpendicular trippingsuriace or. abutment I 2.9.at-the, other side toadapt it to. beloverridden and engaged by a cooperating tripping element.

The. tripping mechanism which isiprovided. to engage thetripping lug I21 for eifecting disengagement ofthesurface I IT on the arm, I I9 from the pin I05, includes. acontrol. shaft I39 that-is journalled forv rocking movement in the body portionf30 .of' .theflfixture adjacent ,the tableend thereof. .The control shaft I30. is provided witha serrated outerv end I 3I adapted to receiveandreleasably retain the'hub of an operating handle I32. Adjacent toits inner end, the control rod I38 is provided with a trip rod operating arm I33 which is keyed. to ,the control rod for turning movement with it. The arm I33 extends upwardly and itsend engagesin a slot' I34 formed in the outer enlarged end of a tripping rod I35 slidably mounted for axial movement ..in a bore I36 formed in the body portion 30 of the fixture. The inner. end of the rod I35 is provided with a horizontally disposed slot I3I adapted'to receive one-end of a'fiat'spring element I38, which may be secured within: the slot I31 in any well-known manner such as by welding. Secured to'the outer or free end'Of the spring I38 is a trippingelement I39 that is shaped to cooperate with the lug I21 on the arm I I9, as shown in Fig. 6.

Theentire tripping rod assembly is normally retained in inactive or retracted position by means. of a coil spring I4I housed within arecess I42 formed in the body'portion 30 of th fixture. One end of the coil spring I4I contacts the base of the recess I 42 and the other end thereof abuts the shoulder formed at the juncture of the enlarged end,- with the uniform portion of the rod I35. Manual operation of the tripping mechanism may beeffeote'd by moving the handle I32 in aclockwise direction (see Fig. 1) to effect a rocking ac- 'tion'of the control shaft I30 and thereby cause thetrippingrod I35 to move inwardly under the action of the arm I33 and against the pressure of the coil spring MI. The inward movementof the tripping rod- I35 will result in thet'apered forward end of the tripping element I39 riding upwardly as it passes over the tripping lug I2'I carried by the arm N9, the flat spring I 38 permitting sumcient deflection to allow the tripping element I39 to Passover the cam surface I28 of the lug I2I.

- When the tripping element I39 has passed over the lug I2'I to the dotted position shown in Fig. 6, the spring I38 will return to its normal po ition wherein a perpendicular operating surface or abutment I43 of the tripping element will be disposed adjacent to the corresponding abutment portion I29 of the tripping lu I21. This-relationship will persist as long as the operating handle I32ris-retained in its clockwise position. Immediately upon release of the retaining pressure uponthe handle I32, the coil spring I4I will efiect-a return movement of'the' trippingrod I35 to its normally inactive position. During-this movement, the-surface I43 of the tripping'element I39 will act upon the surface I29 of the'trlpping lug I21 to effect a rocking action of the arm II9 against the action of the relatively light torsion spring I23 to move the abutment'surface II! of the lug II8'free from abutting contact with the stop pin I carried by the worm Wheel I8.

When the lug H8 moves out of engagement with the stop pin I95, the coil spring H6 moves the clutch sleeve 98into engagement as previously explained and, at the same time, moves the arm II9 toward the rear of the fixture, as shown in Fig. 8, thereby displacing the tripping lug I21 from the line of action of the tripping element I39 on the end of the spring I38. This has the effect of preventing unintended occurrence of continuing or false indexing, since with the lug I 21 in displaced position, the tripping mechanism can have no effect upon the pivoted arm H9 and consequently, manipulation of the tripping mechanism cannot shorten or lengthen theextent of the indexing movement. Since the tripping mechanism cannot engage the lug I21, it cannot move the arm I I9 and the ear I I 8 out of the path of rotation of the stop pin I05. As previously explained, the indexing movement of the work piece is completed in the first half revolution of the worm wheel 18. No further indexing movemerit can be effected, regardless of the position assumed by the indexing mechanism, until after the second half revolution of the worm wheel 18 has'been completed and the stop pin I has engage'd'the lug II8 on the arm H9 and has moved the arm forward to disengage the clutch 53 and reposition the tripping lug I21 in the line of action of the tripping element I39.

In initiating an indexing movement, it is first necessary to release the rotatable work support 39 by disengaging the latchingplunger I08 from theindexing' notch 6| in the indexing plate 58. The latching plunger actuating mechanism comprises a cam I50 positioned immediately below efiects a lateral displacement of the connecting link 16 rather than a forward movement thereof. This is dueto the position of the crank pin 11 upon the line of action through the center of the the 'worm wheel 18 and preferably formed inte grally therewith. The cam I50 is provided with aj'lobe I5I which extends substantially half way around the peripheral surface of the cam. With the mechanism in the position shown in Figs. 3, 5 and'll, a cam follower I52 rotatably mounted on a pin I53 carried by one arm of a bell crank I513 is normally in contact with the ineifective or inner portion of the cam I 50. Itwill be noted from reference to Figs. 3 and 11 of the drawings that the cam follower! 52 is about to ride up onto the lobe I5I of the cam immediately upon the initiation of rotary movement to the worm wheel 18. As the worm wheel 18 and cam I50 begin rotation, the action of the follower I52 will cause the arm of the bell crank I54 to rock upon its pivot pin. I 55 and impart a similar rocking action to an arm I56iof the bell crank which is provided with segmental gear teeth I51 formed along its outer edge, The segmental gear teeth I51 mesh with arack. I58 formed on the latching plunger I08 whiclris slidably mounted for longitudinal movement in a bore I60 formed in the body portion 30 of the fixture. The plunger I08 is providedwith a latchingor. indexing tooth IGI for latching engagement with one of the notches BI formed in theperipheral surface of the indexing plate 50. The latching tooth. IBI is normally retained in contact with a notch'IiI by the action of a coil spring I62 housed within the body of the plunger IOB'and abutting against a stud I63 that passes transversely through the bore I60. The action of the coil spring I62 also retains the cam follower I52 in contact with the surface of the cam I50.

The initial rotating movement of the cam I50 and the worm wheel 18 effects prompt operation of the actuating mechanism to release the latching engagement between the tooth IGI and the notch BI by retracting the latching plunger under the action of the cam follower I52 and against the action of the coil spring I62 to permit the indexing'mechanism to operate. It will be noted that the initial movement of the worm wheel 18 worm wheel 18. As the worm wheel 18 continues to rotate, the indexing yoke 65 will be rockedto effect a counterclockwise indexing movement of the pawl 62 as previously explained, under the action of the link 16. The actual indexing movement then proceeds through approximately onehalf revolution of the worm wheel 18, after which the cam follower I52 will ride off of the lobe I5I and permit the latching plunger I08 to return the latching tooth ISI into latching engagement with the newly indexed notch 5I of the indexing plate 58.

Since the indexing yoke 55 moves through. a fixed arc of action when it is pivoted by the'link Hiduring a revolution of the worm wheel 18', in order to effect a small indexing movement arrangements are provided for adjusting the eifectivelength or operating portion of the'stroke. This is accomplished in this instance by providing a shield or shroud arranged to cover a selected portion of the periphery of the indexing plate 58 to prevent the indexing pawl 62 from engaging a notch BI in the plate until after it has moved through a predetermined portion of the "oscillating movement, the remaining portion of the'stroke serving to effect the'actual indexing movement.

Thestroke adjusting means for controlling the effective movement of the indexingpawl 62 comprises a'ring'element I12 shown in Figs. 13' and 14 andhaving a depending flange I13 adapted forisliding rotary contact with the circular'wall I14 of a recess formed inla' cover plate I15 adapt ed to be removably retained on the under surface of the body portion 30 of the fixture in any approved manner (not shown). The ring element I12 is provided with an upstanding flange or shroud element I15 along a portion of its marginal edge. Thefiange I15 is arcuate in shape and is arranged to lie in conforming relationship with the peripheral surface of the index plate 58. The ring I12 is also provided with an arcuate slot I11 disposed concentrically with the side wall I14 of the central recess formed in the plate I15. The arcuate slot I11 serves to receive a screw I18 which is in threaded engagement. with a; tapped hole formed in' the plate I15. The screw and slot cooperate to permit the releasable retention of the ring element I12 and the'upstanding flange I16 in adjusted angular position with respect to the-notched periphery of the index plate 58.

For the purpose of effecting ready adjustment of the' position of the flange I16 with respect to the notchesfil formed in the periphery of the index plate 58, a scribe line I19 is provided upon the ring element 1.12 to be read against a scale I disposed on theplate I 15 adjacent to the peripheral surface of the ring I12 to provide a visual indication for facilitating the proper adjustment of the flange I16 so that the" desired number of indexing movements may be effected upon the work piece for each complete revolu tionthereof; p I

Referring specifically to Figs. 11v and 13 the particular indexing plate 58 there shown is provided with ten notches. With the ring I12 and flange I16 in the position indicated in full lines, the normal operation of the indexing mechanism willeifect five separate indexing movements of thework piece for each complete, revolution, since the Rawl62 moves through a stroke sufliciently long to engage everyjothernotch. With the moved-to the position-shown-indotted lines in Fig. 13 the flange I16 covers one of the notches 81 in a manner-to render-this particular notch ineffective. As the pawl 62 returns to its normal position, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 13, it rides up onthe outer surface ofthe flange I15 in a manner to preclude the introduction of the pawl tooth 69 into the notch 6| which is covered by the flange. When the indexing movement of the pawl is initiated,- the pawl remains ineffective over this portion of its stroke during which it rides up on thesurface of the flange I16 in a manner to'reduceits efiective indexing stroke the desired amount; whereby a greaternumber of indexin'goperations will be required to eifect a single revolution or complete cycle of operation upon the work piece. With the particular index plate 58 shown in Fig. 13 and with the stroke ad-. justing mechanism in the position indicated in dotted lines, it will be noted that ten indexing movements will be imparted to the work piece in place of the five movements which would normally be imparted to it with the stroke adjusting mechanism in the positionindicated in full lines in this figure, since the pawl '02; in this instance, engages each ofthe ten indexing notches successively. f

In order to adjust'theindexing mechanism for establishing a desired indexing movement, the cover plate I15 isfi'rst removedto expose the-indexing plate 58. The. nut'59. may then be .unscrewed, thereby releasing the indexing plate 58 to permit substitution of another plate having the appropriate number of notches. Afterthe new indexing platehas been secured in place, the ring element I12 'is adjusted to place the flange or shroud I'I'S in position to coverthe required number of notches. asindica'ted byjthe 'scalejlao, and secured to thecover "plate by tightening the screw I18. The cover plate is then replaced on the bottom of the fixture body 30 with the flange H6 in the predetermined position relative to the indexing plate after which the'mechanism may be operated to efiect the new indexing movement.

Automatic operation of thetrippingmechanism to effect the engagement of the indexing clutch in responseto movement 'otthe work table '22 is provided. The .apparatuslmay bearrangied for this. mm of .trip actuation by fitting a tripping sleeve I82. (see Fig. 3) having a threaded axial bore I83, upon areducedthre'aded end I84 ofthe controlhshait I30. 'Ihe outerfextremity ofl the sleeve I82 extends beyond the surface of. the-body portion 30 of .thefixture and is provided with a serratedsurface I85 adapted to releasably retain the hub of a tripping arm I86 .(see'FigL 2). which carries acam'fo'll'ower I81 rotatably mounted on a. pin I88 adjacent to the outer or freeend or the arm I86. As best-shown in Figs; 9 and 10, the;

cam follower I8! is adapted toride on" the top edge of a plate cam I89 that is adjustably secured to the saddle 2 I of the machine tool bycap screws I90 which extend through slotsfIBI formed in' the cam plate to permitlengthwise adjustment thereof. The cam plate I89 is providediwith elevated portion I92 effective upon the cam follower I8'Ijto cause a rockingactionof the control shaft I30 in a manner and for the purpose previously described in connection ."with the manual control'of the tripping mechanism. I

Simultaneous gang milling of a plurality ,of

workpieces individually mountedlon the work supports 49 of separate. fixtures may be efl'ected as shown in Fig. 2 by operatively. connecting the j 75 tripping control shafts I30 01 adjacent fixtures estate;

by means-of -acoupling sleeve 496 fitted upon'the adjacent serrated ends I3 i i and I 0! the shafts I30 to provide a means for effecting simultaneous operation of the separate indexing mechanisms contained in the two fixtures. The coupled trip control shafts I30 maythen be actuated simultaneously either manually or automatically, in the manner previously described.

In performing a machining-operation on a-milling machine equipped with theimprovedindexing fixture embodying the present invention, the work table 2i is-advanced to the left at feed rate in the usual manner to bring the work piece M into engagement with the cutter '23. As the work piece approaches the cutter,- the cam follower I81 rides up on the elevated portion I92 of the plate cam I89; thereby pivotingthe control shaft I30 in direction to'compress the'coil spring "Ml on the rod I35 andto move'the tripping element I39 into latching engagement with the lug I21 on the'arm H9; During the progress of'the cutting-'operation, thecam' follower remains on the elevated portion I 92 ofthe cam, thereby preventing return movement of "theshaft- I30 in a tripping action and'obviating the possibility of an indexingmovement occurring while the; work piece is engaged with the cutter;

After the cutter '23 has completed the'cutting operation upon thework piece II; the usual table tripping mechanism is actuated'to cause auto? matic reversal of the table movement for withdrawing "the workpiece from the cutter, preferably at rapid traverse rate; The plate cam. I89 is preferably so adjustedin position on the saddle 2| that just as the work piece II clears the cutter 23 on the return stroke,1the cam follower I81. goes down onto the 'lower'portion ofthe cam. This permits the control shaft I30 to turn under action of the spring I41 to trip the indexing mechanism. As previously explained, when the shaft I30 is freed for turning movement;the spring I4! moves the trip rod .I35'in direction to pivot the arm II9 out of engagement with the stop pin I05 thereby permittingthe clutch 98 to be engaged for starting the indexing movement and causing the tripping lug 21 to bemoved back out of the "path of action of the tripping element I39; I

Since the indexing operation worksindependently of movement of the table, the .table tripping 1 little lost motion or delay... As the workpiece.

advances to the cutter and before it engages the cutter, the independent -indexing movement is completed and the work support 39 is located in the new indexed position by engagement ofthei latching plunger I09 with a new notch. of .the indexing plate. Since the trippinglug I21 remains out of the path of movementlof the tripping .element I39 while the indexing movement is occur ring,.it is not possible toeffect a second tripping action to cause theindexinglmovement to .bere

peated, which might. otherwise. occur-flaccidentally and result in damage to the machine, As the indexing movement iscompleted, or slightly before it is completed,- depending upon the setting:

of the cam and table trip mechanism, the cam follower IIl'I again rides up on theelevated por tion I92 of the cam thereby compressing the spring. MI and causing the tripping-element I39 to re-engage the tripping lug I2] as it moves back into en a inapositionat the terminatiomof the:

indexing movement.

From the foregoing description of theconstruction and operation of a work holding fixture embodying the improved indexing mechanism provided by the present invention, it will be apparent that the new indexing mechanism is especially adapted to effect indexing movements expeditiously and independently of the movements of other machine elements and that it is arranged to prevent unintended indexing operations through rendering the tripping mechanism inoperative during an indexing movement.

Although the embodiment of the invention herein set forth as illustrative has been described in considerable detail for the purpose of making a full disclosure of a practical working structure embodying the invention, it is to be understood that the various novel features of the invention may be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the subjoined claims.

The principles of the invention having now been fully explained in connection with the exemplifying apparatus herein set forth, we hereby claim as our invention and discovery:

1. In an indexing mechanism, a base, a working member mounted for indexing movement on said base, an indexing plate presenting indexing openings arranged in predetermined manner and operatively associated with said working member, a locking plunger disposed to engage any one of the indexing openings of said plate for holding said working member in predetermined indexed position, an actuating wheel, a cam associated with said wheel and operative to withdraw said locking plunger from engagement with said indexing plate, means driven by said wheel including a pawl arranged to engage said indexing openings for efiecting indexing movement of said member while said locking plunger is withdrawn, means including a shroud element adjustably positioned to prevent said pawl from entering selected indexing openings for adjusting the extent of the indexing movement effected by said wheel, power actuated means selectively engageable to turn said wheel, trip mechanism arranged to effect engagement of said power actuated means for turning said wheel, means associated with said wheel and operative to disengage said power actuated meansafter said wheel has turned through one revolution, and means associated with said trip mechanism to condition it for a subsequent trippingoperation upon the completion of one revolution of said wheel, the arrangement being such that said trip mechanism is ineffective during rotation of said wheel and cannot be actuated to initiate a subsequent indexing movement until after said wheel has stopped at the termination of the previous indexing movement.

2. A repeating cycle indexing work fixture comprising a. body portion for attachment to a support, an indexable work support carried by said body portion, a power source associated with said body portion, an indexing mechanism operatively associated with said indexable work support, a transmission mechanism driven from said power source and operatively connected to said indexing mechanism, a clutch in said transmission mechanism, a clutch operating member movable to eifect engagement or disengagement of said clutch, said transmission mechanism being operative when said clutch is engaged to eifect operation-of said indexing mechanism, a clutch control means adapted to be rendered operative by movement of said indexing mechanism in-a manner to e'fi'ect movement of said clutch operating member to clutch disengaging position 'at' the completion of each successive cycle of operation of said indexing mechanism, said clutch control means including a rockable latch member pivoted to said clutch operating member and arranged for limited rocking movement in one'direction, means for normally retaining said rockable latch member in one extreme position to retain said clutch operating member in disengaged position by reason of contact of saidmember with a portion of said indexing mechanism, anda tripping mechanism operative only-upon movement through a tripping stroke to J disengage said rockable latch member from contact with said indexing mechanism to effect engagement of said clutch thereby rendering said transmission operative to initiate an indexing movement of said work support,

' 3.- In an indexing mechanism, a base, an indexable member movably mounted on said base, an actuatingelement operative upon movement through a cycle to effect an indexing movement of said indexable member, a latching abutment carried by said actuating element, power operated driving means selectively effective to move said actuating element through a cycle to eifect an indexing movement of said member, means, to disconnect said power operated driving means including a resiliently urged clutch actuator, a latch pivotally mounted on said clutch actuator and disposed to be engaged by said latching abutment at the end of a cycle of movement and held thereby against resilient urging to restrain said clutch actuator in driving means disconnecting position, a tripping abutment carried by said latch, and a tripping finger movably mounted in position to engage said tripping abutment only when said latch is in driving means disconnecting position, the arrangement being such that when said tripping finger is moved in engagement with said tripping abutment, said latch is pivotally disengaged from said latching abutment and said clutch actuator is resiliently urged to power driving position, said tripping abutment being moved out of the path of movement of said tripping finger, whereby before said tripping finger again becomes eifective, an indexing cycle must be completed and said clutch actuator and latch returned to driving means disconnecting position for engagement of said tripping abutment by movement of said tripping finger to initiate a subsequent indexing movement.

4. In an indexing mechanism, an indexable member, means to drive said indexable member including awheel arranged to operate through one complete revolution in effecting an indexing movement, adjustable transmission mechanism operatively connecting said wheel to said indexable member and adapted to efiect an indexing movement of predetermined extent, power-operated means for driving said wheel, a disengageable clutch arranged to connect said power-operated means to said wheel for driving it, an abutment on said wheel, a clutch actuating member biased to clutch engaging position, a latch carried by said clutch actuating member and arranged to be engaged by said abutment at the termination of an indexing operation to move said clutch actuating member to clutch disengaging position for stopping said wheel, and an indexing tripping mechanism adapted to engage said latch on said clutch actuating member only when it is in clutch disengaging position and operative to move-said latch out-ofwem gagement with said abutment'to :permlt movement of said clutch actuating-member:to'clutch' engaging position 'for initiating a subsequent iindexing operation, said latchon saidclutch actuating member moving out of-operating relationship with said trippingv mechanism as it moves to clutch engaging position andvremainingout of operating relationshiptherewith until again moved by said abutment to clutch disengaging position.

, 5. In an indexing mechanism .for""a machine mounted in cooperating relationship with said indexing plate for'engaging the notches thereof to effect indexingmovements, an lndexingwheel rotatably mounted on said base,- a. connecting rod interconnecting said. wheel and said indexing pawl in such manner that said-pawl'is moved through: :anindexing stroke for 1 each revolution of-zsaidwheel, axpower source mounted on said base for. driving: said wheel, a disconnecting clutchtdisposedr to connect said power source to saidwheel to drive "it; a'clutch actuating member, resilient means biasingsaid actuating member to c1utch-engagingposition,- a latch arm movably mountedwon said-actuating vmember, a, stop pin canried- -:by t said indexing-:wheel, resilient --means bjasing said latcharmtoaposition in the path' of movement of said-stop= pin forengagement byjsaid stop (pin- 9.1, the end of an indexing :cycle to-eifectrdisengagement ofsaid clutch, and a tripping element disposed to be engageable with saidtlatch .azrm only i when it is in clutch disengag aposition said trippingelement being movable .to withdraw said latch arm from engagement :with .-saidstop,pin to initiate an indexing eyelet JOSEPH VB. ARMITAGE;

THEODORE F; ESERKALN; 

